Obama To GOP On Mental Health: ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’
Unlike his other proposals to curb gun violence, President Barack Obama's plan to invest $500 million in mental health care must come from Congress. The president told Republicans, who he says have been vocal in attributing mass shootings to mental health, that they should feel obligated to support it.
The Hill:
Obama Dares GOP For Mental Health Reforms
President Obama is pressuring congressional Republicans to make good on their promise to fix the nation’s broken mental health system, which the GOP has frequently blamed for gun violence. As part of his wide-reaching efforts to rein in gun violence, Obama on Tuesday called for a half-billion dollars in new mental health spending, taunting the GOP on their failure to pass a mental health reform bill since pledging to do so in 2013. ... "Put your money where your mouth is,” Obama said during an emotional speech at the White House. (Ferris, 1/5)
Roll Call:
GOP Sidesteps Obama Mental Health Proposal
Bypassing Congress on new rules for gun purchases, President Barack Obama Tuesday offered GOP lawmakers exactly what they have been asking for: expanded access to mental health services. But Republicans, angered by his unilateral actions, didn’t bite. Republicans have consistently pointed to mental health legislation in the wake of mass shootings, while Democrats focused on tighter rules for buying guns. On Tuesday, Obama proposed a $500 million investment in the mental health system. (Bowman, 1/5)
Modern Healthcare:
Obama's Actions On Guns Could Bolster Mental Health Bills Before Congress
President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced $500 million for expanding access to mental health treatment as part of a series of executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence. ... The White House did not elaborate on how the $500 million for mental health would be spent. A fact sheet states it would help improve access to care by increasing service capacity and the number of behavioral healthcare providers. (Muchmore, 1/5)
